'The last thing we want is every immigrant goes to either Toronto or Vancouver,' says John McCallum

Immigration Minister John McCallum attends a roundtable discussion on immigration in Vancouver. Afterwards, he told reporters the Liberal government wants to boost visas for Chinese nationals, but also encourage new arrivals to settle outside the housing hot spots of Vancouver and Toronto. (CBC)

Immigration Minister John McCallum says the Liberal government is trying to make it easier for Chinese tourists, students and temporary workers to get visas to come to Canada — but not to the overheated housing markets of Vancouver and Toronto.

McCallum said he had "very positive and open" discussions with Chinese officials last week, seeking permission to double or triple the number of visa application centres where Chinese people can apply to come to Canada. There are currently five, including Hong Kong.